Also Seen: Port of Portland Headquarters by ZGF Architects

The Port of Portland’s new headquarters and long-term parking garage demonstrate the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, while also consolidating approximately 470 Port workers into a modern, collaborative workplace.

The buildings relatively narrow office floors ensure that all workers and workstations have access to natural daylight and views.
Photo by eckert & eckert
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The Port has moved its art collection to the new building, including paintings and sculptures by notable Oregon artists such as Henk Pander and Louis Bunce.
Photos by nick merrick | hedrick blessing
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Providing a healthy work environment was a primary goal for the project. Materials selected include FSC-certified wood paneling and linoleum, and low-VOC paints and finishes. Priority was also placed on providing natural light and improved air quality.
Photos by nick merrick | hedrick blessing
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Providing a healthy work environment was a primary goal for the project. Materials selected include FSC-certified wood paneling and linoleum, and low-VOC paints and finishes. Priority was also placed on providing natural light and improved air quality.
Photos by nick merrick | hedrick blessing
View larger

The Port of Portland’s new headquarters and long-term parking garage demonstrate the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, while also consolidating approximately 470 Port workers into a modern, collaborative workplace.

The new 205,000-square-foot facility, designed by ZGF Architects, consists of three floors of office space atop seven floors of public airport parking. The building’s design speaks to both the marine and aviation aspects of the Port’s operations. A unique lapped-glass curtain wall is intended to harken back to the construction of early ships and boats, while the building’s strong central east-west spine—shaped like an airplane wing—looks out to the airport and the airfield beyond.

Designed to be LEED Platinum-certified, the Port headquarters includes sustainable features such as daylighting, window glazing, fixed exterior shading, water-efficient fixtures and a 10,000-square-foot eco-roof. All combined, the building will use 75 percent less water and 36 percent less energy compared to a standard building of the same size.

Coupled with the Port’s consolidation was an effort to shift from a closed office environment to an open plan—a change the Port’s leadership hopes will lead to a more unified workplace and organizational culture. To that end, a majority of the office floors feature an open layout, with a mere 15 percent of the building reserved for those whose job functions demand a private office. The new configuration reflects a 21st century culture—“One Port”—in an effort to foster a team environment.